Maritime risks remain high in Strait of Hormuz despite US Navy escorts: IMO in International Shipping News 07/05/2026 The International Maritime Organization has urged shipowners to remain on high alert in the Strait of Hormuz amid industry warnings that vessels are still exposed to Iranian attacks despite the US’ Operation Project Freedom. The US Navy started May 4 escorting ships stuck in the Gulf to exit Hormuz with guided-missile destroyers, more than 100 land- and sea-based aircraft, multi-domain unmanned platforms and 15,000 service members, US Central Command said. While welcoming the effort, which could reduce the plight of crew members on ships, an IMO spokesperson said security situations remain volatile and that “we continue to urge ships in the area to exercise maximum caution.” The UN’s shipping agency has previously said about 20,000 seafarers were stranded on 800 ships in Gulf waters after the Middle East war broke out Feb. 28. The IMO launched a task force to establish a safe passage framework. Its spokesperson said de-escalation of the current military conflict should be the way forward and that naval escorts would not be a “sustainable long-term solution.” “IMO remains ready to roll out its evacuation plan once it is safe to do so,” according to an emailed statement from the spokesperson. “This requires clear safety guarantees from all parties involved.” The US move has drawn criticism from senior Iranian officials, who warned that such a unilateral move by Washington would be seen as a breach of the ceasefire. Maritime authorities reported at least four ship attacks and one attack on the UAE’s Fujairah oil hub since the US mission was announced. ‘Wait-and-see’ approach S&P Global Commodities at Sea(opens in a new tab) data shows 10 ships transited Hormuz on May 4, little changed from before Project Freedom and less than 10% of the pre-war level. “Most shipping companies are adopting a ‘wait-and-see’ stance rather than immediately transiting,”